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September 8, 2009

Obama Urges Students to Work Hard
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In speech that drew advance criticism from conservatives, US president
asks students to take responsibility for their education and not let
challenges or failures get in the way 
President Barack Obama delivers speech on education at Wakefield High
School in Arlington, Virginia, 8 Sep 2009U.S. President Barack Obama
told school children across the nation Tuesday to work hard and stay in
school during a speech that drew strong advance criticism from many
conservatives. Mr. Obama's talk at a high school near Washington was
broadcast live on the White House Web site and cable television. Many
students were watching in their classrooms. President Obama called on
students to take responsibility for their education and not let
challenges or failures get in the way. He stressed that what each
individual achieves will decide the future of the country and determine
whether the nation can solve its most difficult problems. Conservatives
have accused the administration of overstepping the bounds of government
involvement in schools, and the president of trying to indoctrinate
children with what they call his socialist agenda. Some schools decided
not to show the speech, and some parents said they would keep their
children home. A small group of protesters rallied outside the school
where the president spoke. The White House called the uproar "silly,"
and said Mr. Obama is only looking to motivate students. President Obama
spoke of his own struggles growing up and said his mother often had to
push him to stay motivated. He called on students to set goals for their
education and to never give up. Before the text of the speech was
released, many conservatives feared it would be political. Some of the
criticism focused on a proposed lesson plan from the Department of
Education that suggested students write themselves a letter about how
they can "help the president." The material was updated to instead ask
students to write about how they can achieve their long-term and
short-term education goals. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also
hosted an education event Tuesday at a school in New York City, while
Attorney General Eric Holder and U!
 .S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice were to speak to stude
nts separately at schools in Washington. 


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